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Farewell Brother Preston Roberts

Posted: July 26, 2017

We wish there were a different reason for this message. We wish we could walk away from writing it. And yet, we are humbled and honored to know just how many hearts this sad news will break, for it speaks to the power a single good man can have in this world.

On July 24th, 2017 at 3:30pm, Preston James Roberts passed peacefully away in the arms of his wife Kathleen, surrounded by family and loved ones. Preston had a large inoperable tumor on his liver that obstructed the flow of blood and oxygen to his organs and body. The change was rapid and outpaced any treatment -- just three weeks ago he was teaching at Boys Camp. While the suddenness of his departure is shocking, we draw some consolation from the fact that his last days were full of family and friends instead of drawn-out suffering.

There is no replacing a human life, and the specialness of Preston as teacher, mentor, builder, friend, artist, elder, inspiration, dancer, leader, and solid rock foundation leaves a chasm in our community. Preston was as practical as he was creative, and over any abyss he would find a way to build a bridge whose quality was matched only by its beauty. He lived for summer camp, and his life and spirit are infused all over Turtle Island, in the buildings, the ceremonies, the land, and the misty mountain air itself. Help us build a bridge and honor his life by ensuring that Turtle Island camps continue far into the future, whether that means lighting a candle on December 24th, sponsoring a camper, or lending a hand in one of the many building projects Preston had planned for the upcoming year.

Preston's family is currently planning burial and memorial services, and we will reach out with more information as it develops. In the meantime, please consider supporting Preston's family in their time of grief.

We leave you with Preston's words from this past year's holiday message to campers:

"It's cold this morning, the sun is just peeking its head above the mountain. I wonder what it is like at Morning Watch this morning? I wish I was there, this moment, curled in a thick wool blanket, watching the light, birds, and in my minds eye I am there, with you and the others that have carried your stone and placed it in that sacred circle of stones. In my minds eye I can sail through the trees, past the tree-house, classroom, the gazebo and your shoes, over the patch on the barn roof, over the spot we plan to build a traditional carpentry shop, sweeping high into the cold air alongside a raven, looking at the place we love below and wishing for it to continue forever..."

I was greatly saddened by the news of Preston's
passing. I feel for his family and dear friend
Eustace. I would love to come help in any way
with the programs to make sure they keep teaching
young people.
Be blessed dear "Mountain Man" until we meet again.

It's been a delight to watch Preston on Mountain Men. He was truly a bright light in this world and will be missed by folks such as myself who only knew him through the show.
God Bless You on your next journey Preston.

From my times living in the back woods of Vermont, I came to know many characters. Preston stands above them as a symbol of individual fortitude and gentle kindness. He struck me as the sort of gentleman that was the calming member of any gathering; the voice of persuasive reasoning seasoned with the driest of humor. I was stunned to learn of his passing. Eustace, I hope that you find some way to carry on.

so terrible to have lost such a good man so young. I did not know Preston but I felt like I did through the program. So sorry for your loss of this great Man, husband, father, friend, teacher and American.

Preston was a easy going man. His intelligence was marched only by his creativity. He was a hard working man who wished to preserve a way of life that he loved. He leaves a hole in an extremely small number of people who knows how to live totally free of the trappings that surround us the ignorant. he was truly a wonderful per son and friend.I hope the Lord will hold you up during this horrible Time.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Preston. I only knew him from the show 'Mountain Men', but could tell how knowledgeable, strong, graceful, and a person willing to help anyone in need. I planned on taking some classes on 'Turtle Island' and hopefully meet Preston and learn from him. Unfortunately I won't get that chance, but will try and help fulfill his wishes. I can only imagine the loss and pain everyone is feeling. God speed Preston Roberts. R.I.P.

I was so sad when I learned Preston has passed away,I looked forward to His and Eustace segments. It has been a blessing to watch him on the show,kind gentle and a wonderful human being! My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and Eustace.
I am also a portrait artist and today I will begin a painting of him on the horse at the end of the show and proudly hang it on my wall in his memory! God bless all of his family and Eustace!

WOW!!! I am just shocked to find out about Preston's death! I found out about him on this week's episode of Mountain Men (Thursday, August 3, 2017) when they had a memorial page and clip of him at the end of the program. I was really floored to see that tonite! I will be praying for Preston's family and friends, especially his best friend, Eustace Conway, as well as the History Channel family who have worked with Preston and Eustace on many of those Mountain Men episodes over the years. I've been watching Mountain Men since it got started a few years ago from day one, year one! Very good program with tons of great info from these guys who live off the grid in different parts of the USA. I'm sure that Preston is missing his big buddy terribly because they both have worked together on many of Eustace's projects around his homestead for a long time, and that's a loss that will be hard to replace for him. God bless the Preston family as they go thru a very trying time right now. Any type of cancer is tough to deal with, and Preston's type of cancer was especially tough to treat. Stay strong in the Lord, Roberts family!! GBU!!!
Chari Mercier :(
St. Pete, FL

You will never see this message Preston as the Lord had taken you to early but I truly wish I could have met you, sir. I always wanted to come to the TIP and I still will some day sir, you and Eustace had an amazing g relationship and I know your an amazing bladesmith and because of you, I plan on taking a course and becoming my own bladesmith because of you sir. Your in heaven now rest easy sir and I like many others have donated in your memory to help your family out and finally get the roof finish. God bless friend

I'm so very sad to hear about Preston's passing. He seemed to be a very good gentle spirit. I just watched the episode where Eustace & Preston traded some deer for bees. I was online & somehow noticed a Picture of Preston w/his date of birth & death. I immediately was sick to my stomach, it took my breath away. We watch Eustace & Preston every week. We care about you guys, like family or friends & then to lose you is akin to losing a family member for many of us. I never knew Preston was married for all these yrs, was a teacher, had a family & shared his life w/many others at Turtle Island Preserve teaching still. I just ran across this website & learned about Preston & Co. God Bless Preston & watch over his wife Kathleen & family as they continue their life journey w/Preston always watching over his honey & all he loved. Amen. It just breaks your heart when someone good passes on.There's not enough of Good people in the world..especially today...I send my love & friendship to all TurtleIsland Families & friends alike. Thank you for letting me have my say about Mr. Preston Roberts. Keep on keeping on Eustace...Kathleen & family....Turtle Island Families..! We will always be w/you in Spirit! I'm "Native American" "Cherokee" from near your neck of the woods initially. I'm an old man now, but I'd like to visit you guys sometime just to visit w/everyone & see how you do things in NC, USA. Thanks again. God Bless.

I join many others here to recognize what The History Channel, Preston, Eusatce, and Kathleen have brought to the viewing audience. So sorry to hear of the passing of such a great person and what he and Eustace together accomplished. Our deepest love goes out to the wonderful mountain family there. It is very apparent that Preston touched many lives with his views and work with the former days' way of accomplishing so many tasks. He will certainly be missed greatly and prayers go up for Eustace and the entire Preston Roberts family. RIP Preston with our heavenly Father; you will certainly be missed.

I love Mountain Men. I am so sad about the news of this sweet humble man. I know his family is hurting and my thoughts are with them. Seeing the picture of him and his family made him more real. He had a special talent and his love of the outdoors and simple life is heartfelt. The show will not be the same without him and I know Eustace will be strong and carry on for his friend and partner. God bless you Preston. God must have needed a man of many talents to have called you home at such a young age.

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

Preston was one of my favorite cast members on "Mountain Men" His easy going nature, and backwoods skills were a perfect combination to Eustice! To his family , Eustice, and his many friends and fans I say, the best compliment in life is when nobody can say a bad word about You! That sums up Preston Roberts!

We are deeply saddened by Preston's sudden passing. My heart and prayers go out to his friends and family. You could tell he had an extra special heart and soul. He will be deeply missed. RIP, Preston!

It hurt so much to see the "in Memory of..." at the end of the show. Eustace and Preston seemed to be part of our lives through Mountain Men. Being a lover of the Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, etc., brought that part of my Backwoods life to me. May all those family and friends of Preston support one another through the hard days ahead. May God's comfort surround you.

R.I.P. Preston.. I will miss your smiling face on Mountain Men. I have watched you for many seasons and words cannot describe my heartache. Go in peace and fly with the angels. You will be missed dearly!

I was sad to hear the news about Preston I have watch the show since it has been on and Eustis and Preston was my favorites it won't be the same without Preston there I will watch it with a sad heart and I know he is in a better place now and will be suffering anymore.RIP

My husband and I were faithful watchers of Mountain Men and always enjoyed the segments with Eustace and Preston. Their ideas and ingenuity matched so well. My husband passed in July, 2015 and my sympathy goes out to his wife and children. Preston will always be remembered by those he came in touch with and those who only saw him in Mountain Men. God bless and keep him.

So sorry to see such a fine man leave a world often lacking what he gave us in spades:truth, hard-working,kind, helpful,inventive,brave.... and the list goes on. My condolences to his family and friends. I onlh knew him through
His tv show, but I feel like I have lost a good friend.

I am so sorry for the great loss of your lifelong friend Preston. His family was blessed with a great man and father in there lives. There is no way to express the sadness you all must feel but know he is with god looking down on you all.God Bless.

"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die" - one of my favorite quotes, undoubtedly applies to all who knew Preston personally. I wish I had that honor, but as another of the TV audience that grew to know and appreciate Preston, my love and admiration for this kind, gentleman was from a distance. I know I speak for many of us (viewers) when I say watching Preston and Eustace work together, laugh together and succeed together was a special joy. To see their wonderful brotherhood and friendship in action was unparalleled. No one but Eustace can know the depth of losing his friend Preston. Memories of Preston will help sustain his family, Eustace and friends in years to come. Preston rests easy now in the arms of our Lord, a rest he earned which sadly came far too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathleen & the Roberts family and Eustace. May God bring you comfort in the sadness and smiles with the memories. Peace and blessings to all his family, friends and the viewers of Mountain Men that admired Preston...truly a wonderful, gentle man!

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of one so young. Our prayers are with his dear family and his friend, Eustace. We enjoyed getting to know him through his appearances on Mountain Men. As North Carolinians ourselves, we are delighted to see the old ways preserved. He touched many lives and will be long remembered. Rest easy Mr. Roberts.

I am deeply sorry for everyones loss, most of all Eustace. Preston is now in the hands of Jesus and I know in my heart Preston is still helping people no matter where he is. We will all miss him until we see him again in the house of our Lord. Goodbye Preston, until we meat again.

Wow, what a loss. I have never commented on the loss of a TV personality in the last 60 years but I got to say I will miss seeing him on the show and learning from him. I will never forget the look on Preston's face when Eustace (after his bad head injury) burnt the knife up that Preston had been working on in the forge. I played it back numerous times. God bless you through the years ahead dealing with your loss.

Sorry for ur loss he seemed like a great man.... started watching mountain men when it first premiered and I was quickly sucked in by the life style of some many people that jus want to live a simple life without interference from the outside, it's something that I've been interested in for awhile. The thing that standed out to me was the enginuity and genius of Preston and eustace, it has literally made me look at my life in a whole new way and has should me that simple truly is better. For this I will be forever greatful for them opening my eyes... Preston god speed and may u Rest In Peace

We both love to watch the show Mountain Men and Preston was one of our favorites. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Preston's family and friends. They show will not be the same. He will be sadly missed. We loved watching him and Eustace work together to make the business and homestead better.

We are so saddened to read the dedication on Mountain Men about Preston. You will be in our prayers. We will also be remembering with gentle and prayerful thoughts all the family effected by this sudden and sad loss, especially Eustace. May all of you be comforted knowing how much we looked forward to learning about your lives.